Why is unconscious sexism still so prevalent?

To say I’m frustrated with incompetent sexist comments is in understatement!

In the lead up to International Women's Day, I'm starting to hear & see the sexist, biased comments being leaked into the internet and from people (mostly white males) mouths.

I thought I had been lucky throughout my career as a female working in the profession I love. But when I look back, I think I have deflected many situations and laughed off many innuendos. I put up with being looked down upon because, I was a single parent, female, didn’t hold a degree in Surveying in both my field and education careers. Forever fighting and working longer and harder to be treated the same as my male counterparts. It wasn’t all bad, I was supported by most not all of the bosses I had, so in that sense I was lucky… (Should I even have to make that statement??!!!)

So, my question is?

Can you ever change the thought process of the person who believes that we don’t belong in these professions and industries that have always been filled with men or that we shouldn’t celebrate International Women’s Day, or other inclusive or diverse causes?

I have been in the Surveying industry for just shy of thirty years. I was a young, single mum, in a class of two girls to about 20 or 30 guys… the percentage less than 10% which is actually more than the percentage we now have of females in the surveying industry. As a registered surveyor in Australia, we would be lucky to be averaging 3-4%. The number for technicians is unknown.

We all know that the trades, construction, engineering, and surveying are classed as “Male Dominated” careers. Why?? When we had wars, the women stayed in the home land and completed the “male” tasks with ease and a sense of pride, as soon as the war was over, they were sent back to the kitchen. We have been fighting for those opportunities and the right to be treated equally for as long as time remembers.

Things have changed, thoughts are changing, but we still have a long way to go to be inclusive, supportive, and not have the, I am better than you because I’m a male attitude. Or you belong at home in the kitchen, in your lingerie, clean house, kids kept, dinner on the table and slippers in hand as the Man of the house walks in the door!!!

Okay I may be going a little overboard, but when statements are made of a girl can’t do that, why are you here on this job site, where's the manager, who's running this show, looking at the male standing behind or beside the female or I don’t want to be a part of that “Anti-Woke-Nonsense” coming out of peoples mouths or are typed in a comments online, I am still absolutely GOBSMACKED!!!!

The surveying profession has, historically been dominated by men, with women and people of colour often facing significant barriers of entry and advancement. These barriers are compounded by the prevalence of unconscious bias, leading to discriminatory practices and perpetuate inequalities. This term “anti-woke” has become increasingly popular, often used to dismiss issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion as unnecessary or even harmful. However, such speech ignores the very real experiences of those who are impacted by unconscious bias on a daily basis. Do they act and say these things because they are feeling threatened? ?I want to know. I want to learn. I want to understand their point of view on these statements.

Women in the surveying profession have been subject to assumptions that they are not as skilled or knowledgeable as their male colleagues. They are known to be paid less for the same or taking on a higher workload than their male counterparts. Provided with fewer opportunities for advancement, and a lack of recognition for their contributions to the field. Similarly, people of colour or other race may face assumptions that they are less competent or qualified than their white counterparts, leading to similar outcomes. I know so many amazing, professional, smart, competent women and diverse people in all areas of our “Male Dominated professions/Careers”.

The struggle for equality in the surveying profession is ongoing, and addressing unconscious bias is an important part of this effort. Companies implement policies, procedures, have groups to champion these issues. But do they really believe in it? Or are they just ticking the EEO boxes?

We need YOU the men who support us, believe in us, to speak out. Call out these people making these statements. Whether it is conscience or it is unconscious bias, the form of bias that occurs automatically and unintentionally, often without our knowledge or control. It can manifest in various ways, including the assumptions based on gender, race, age, or other demographic characteristics. The behaviour shown, the body language, the segregating or leaving someone out of conversations or discussions. When we call it out, we’re just being bitchy. Causing a scene. Being over emotional.

Come On People.. We are no longer living in the 1950’s. This is not Mad Men.. We are not Stepford Wives!! We are independent, smart, beautiful, amazing, competent women who are willing to put ourselves out there to achieve our own personal goals. We don’t need to be constantly fighting sexist comments, we don’t need the innuendos, we needed to be treated equally. Because we can do the job, we bring a different skill set to the table. You need diversity, you need inclusivity to have successful teams. Use people to their strengths, build on their weaknesses, and put the right person in the job rather than the one who thinks should be in the job.

Don’t quota, to be “inclusive” just provide equal opportunities for all.. and THINK before you open your mouth or put words on a page.